Michael Owen closing in on title medal dream

21 April 2011 12:34

Viewed : 110

Michael Owen is closing in on the first title medal of his career after a Barclays Premier League season in which he has played less than three hours of football. [LNB] On the verge: Owen (left) is now one appearance from the coveted 10 for a league winners medal after his brief cameo at St.James' Park[LNB]Rules state players must make 10 appearances to qualify for a medal and anine-minute cameo at Newcastle on Tuesday took Owen to eight with five games remaining for Premier League leaders Manchester United.[LNB]KICKING HIS HEELSOwen has featured in just eight league games this season:August 20101) 16min v Fulham (a) 2-22) 16min v West Ham (h) 3-0September 20103) 19min v Bolton (a) 2-2, goalOctober 20104) 45min v Sunderland (a) 0-0January 20115) 12min v Stoke (h) 2-16) 35min v Birmingham (h) 5-0April 20117) 17min v Fulham (h) 2-08) 9min v Newcastle (a) 0-0TOTAL: 169 minutes[LNB]The 31-year-old striker has only started once for Sir Alex Ferguson, in October's goalless draw at Sunderland when he went off at half-time, and has scored once, a late equaliser at Bolton in September.[LNB]His deal expires at the end of the season and it is unlikely to be renewed after the success of newcomer Javier Hernandez. Owen has scored 148 goals in the Premier League and one more would give him the fifth-highest tally, after Alan Shearer, Andy Cole, Thierry Henry and Robbie Fowler.[LNB]United's Wes Brown and Antonio Valencia could also miss out on a title medal, having played seven and six games respectively. [LNB] You don't know the facts! Upset Owen hits back at Newcastle boo-boysNewcastle 0 Manchester United 0: Red Devils fire blanks to give Arsenal hopeAll the latest Manchester United news, features and opinion[LNB] Explore more:People: Alex Ferguson, Robbie Fowler, Andy Cole, Michael Owen, Wes Brown, Antonio Valencia, Alan Shearer, Thierry Henry Places: Newcastle, Birmingham